- Brian Mac Giolla Phádraig (c.1580–c.1652): A scholar and poet.
- Constantia Grierson (1705–1732): Born in Co. Kilkenny, she was an editor, poet, and classical scholar.
- David Rothe: Born in Kilkenny City, County Kilkenny; lived in Kilkenny and Rome . (1573-1650): A Catholic bishop and scholar, Rothe wrote Latin poetry and prose, including religious and historical works like Analecta Sacra (1616). His poetry, though not his primary output, reflected his Kilkenny roots and Counter-Reformation zeal. As Bishop of Ossory, he was a key figure in Kilkenny’s Confederate Ireland period (1642-1649), and his verses often addressed spiritual and Irish identity themes.
- John Banim (1798–1842): Born in Kilkenny City, he was a novelist, dramatist, and poet known for his work with the “Tales of the O’Hara Family”.
- John Locke (1847–1889): Born in Callan, Co. Kilkenny, he was a poet, writer, and Fenian, often referred to as a “poet of Ireland-in-Exile”. He is best known for the poem “Dawn on the Irish Coast” (also known as “The Exile’s Return”).
- Katharine A. O’Keeffe O’Mahoney: Born in Kilkenny City, County Kilkenny . (1852-1918): An educator, lecturer, and writer, O’Keeffe O’Mahoney published poetry alongside her historical and educational works. Her poems often explored Irish culture and history, drawing on her Kilkenny heritage. She was a significant figure in Irish-American literary circles after emigrating to the United States.
- Patrick Reade (Pádraig Ó Riada): An 18th-century folk poet from Ballynamona.
- Richard Lalor Sheil: Born in Kilkenny City, County Kilkenny (Drumdowney); lived in Dublin and London . (1791-1851): Primarily known as a politician and orator, Sheil also wrote poetry and plays, including Adelaide (1814) and The Apostate (1817). His verse, often dramatic and romantic, reflected his Kilkenny upbringing and engagement with Irish Catholic emancipation. He was a prominent figure in the literary and political circles of his time.
Poets
Antrim – Armagh – Carlow – Cavan – Clare – Cork – Derry – Donegal – Down – Dublin – Fermanagh – Galway – Kerry – Kildare – Kilkenny – Laois – Leitrim – Limerick – Longford – Louth – Mayo – Meath – Monaghan – Offaly – Roscommon – Sligo – Tipperary – Tyrone – Waterford – Westmeath – Wexford – Wicklow
County Kilkenny:
Ireland’s county Kilkenny is a county of medieval charm, with Kilkenny City’s castle and St Canice’s Cathedral showcasing well-preserved architecture and round towers. The Dunmore Cave offers intriguing limestone formations, while the Nore Valley’s walking trails provide scenic beauty. Other attractions include the historic Jerpoint Abbey’s intricate carvings. Kilkenny is Ireland’s 16th largest county by size (2,062 square km) and 21st largest by population (104,160). Population peaked at 202,420 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 60,463 in 1966. In terms of hospitality, Kilkenny is Ireland’s eleventh most visited tourist county with around 207,000 international visitors per year.
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